asked the Minister for Education whether the proposed scheme of transport of national schoolchildren to schools at some distance from their homes is intended to be completely free of charge to the pupils concerned; whether his Department have placed any limit on the payments to be made by the Department for these transport services; if so, what limits; and whether, in cases where the cost exceeds any grant made by his Department, charges will be made by school managers to the pupils availing of the transport.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Transport of Schoolchildren.
41.
I wish to affirm once again that the cost of the transport services to be provided as a result of the implementation of my policy in relation to small schools will be borne entirely by the State except that a nominal local contribution will be sought merely to preserve the managerial position. The normal practice will be followed in arranging for the transport. The manager will be asked to seek competitive tenders and he will be authorised to accept the lowest tender provided the mode of transport proposed is considered satisfactory in all respects. No question of a charge on pupils should arise.
"Should" or "would"?
That is the point.
I cannot say what the manager will do. I am saying he should not ask for it and if I discover he does, I will ask for an explanation.
Managers may in fact state that a charge will be necessary.
In the case of an amalgamation of schools, if a manager says it is necessary to make a charge on the parents or the children in order to pay for the transport service, he is not telling the truth.
42.
asked the Minister for Education if he will make arrangements with CIE to provide a bus service for children from Lisvernane, Tipperary, to enable them to go to Hospital secondary school, County Limerick.
I understand that this matter has been under consideration by CIE as a result of representations received by them. They operate at present a service between Hospital and Galbally which is some 3½ miles from Lisvernane but have not found it feasible to extend the service to Lisvernane itself.